Genetics: The Study of Heredity Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are traits?

Structures in the cell that have DNA

The scientific study of heredity

Different physical characteristics (correct)

The passing of traits from parents to offspring

What is heredity?

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

What is genetics?

Scientific study of heredity.

Who is known as the Father of Genetics?

Gregor Mendel. Signup and view all the answers

What are chromosomes?

Structures in the cell that have DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gene?

Segment of DNA ladder in a certain sequence/pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What are alleles?

Different forms of a gene. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dominant allele?

Dominates recessive allele. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recessive allele?

Covered up by dominant allele. Signup and view all the answers

What is probability?

The likelihood that a particular event will occur. Signup and view all the answers

What does homozygous mean?

2 alleles that are exactly the same for a trait. Signup and view all the answers

What does heterozygous mean?

2 alleles that are different for the trait. Signup and view all the answers

What is genotype?

Genetic makeup. Signup and view all the answers

What is phenotype?

An organism's appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Punnett square?

Chart that shows all possible combinations of alleles that result from a cross. Signup and view all the answers

What is codominance?

The alleles that code for a certain trait are neither dominant nor recessive. Signup and view all the answers

What is chromosome theory of inheritance?

Genes are carried from parents to their offspring on chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is reproduction?

Process by which an organism produces others of the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is a zygote?

New cell formed. Signup and view all the answers

What is meiosis?

Process by which the number of chromosomes cuts in half. Signup and view all the answers

What does RNA stand for?

Ribonucleic acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is mRNA?

Copies coded DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is tRNA?

Carries amino acids and adds to protein. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mutation?

Any permanent change in a gene or chromosome of a cell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Genetics

Traits: Distinct physical characteristics that can be observed in organisms.
Heredity: The transmission of traits from parents to their offspring, a fundamental principle of genetics.
Genetics: The scientific discipline focused on the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Historical Context

Gregor Mendel: Recognized as the Father of Genetics for his pioneering work on inheritance patterns in pea plants, laying the groundwork for modern genetics.

Molecular Basis of Genetics

Chromosomes: Structures located in the cell that contain DNA; key components for genetic inheritance.
Gene: A specific segment of DNA that encodes a particular trait or characteristic, arranged in a specific sequence or pattern.
Alleles: Various forms of a gene that can exist at a given locus on a chromosome.

Alleles and Inheritance

Dominant Allele: An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele in a heterozygous condition.
Recessive Allele: An allele whose effects are hidden or masked by a dominant allele; expressed only when homozygous.
Homozygous: A genotype consisting of two identical alleles for a specific trait.
Heterozygous: A genotype with two different alleles for a particular trait.

Genetic Composition

Genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism, representing the alleles present.
Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genotype and environment.

Tools for Genetic Analysis

Punnett Square: A diagrammatic tool used to predict the outcome of genetic crosses by showing all possible allele combinations.
Codominance: A genetic scenario where neither allele is dominant or recessive, leading to the expression of both traits in the phenotype.

Theoretical Framework

Chromosome Theory of Inheritance: The principle that genes are located on chromosomes and are passed to offspring through these structures during reproduction.

Biological Processes

Reproduction: The biological process by which new individuals are generated from parent organisms, ensuring the continuation of species.
Zygote: The initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, representing the earliest stage of development.
Meiosis: A special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, crucial for the formation of gametes.

Nucleic Acids and Their Functions

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): A vital molecule involved in various biological roles, especially in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.
mRNA (Messenger RNA): A form of RNA that carries the genetic information copied from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
tRNA (Transfer RNA): A type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome, where they are assembled into proteins.

Genetic Variability

Mutation: Any permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome, which can lead to changes in traits and may contribute to genetic diversity.

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Description

Explore key concepts in genetics with these flashcards. From traits to heredity, and the foundational work of Gregor Mendel, dive deeper into the fascinating world of heredity and its scientific study. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of genetics.